Thoughts for the Week

I learned a lesson from my dad at a young age. It has stayed with me into my adult years.

One day, my dad took me and my siblings to the mall. We were misbehaving and my dad had to pull us aside. “When you act like that,” he said. “Other people look at Mom and me and think ‘Wow, those parents are doing a terrible job.'”

In my little 6-year-old mind, I was shocked. I thought, Wait, my mom and dad are great! I don’t want people to think they’re not good parents! From then on (even through high school), whenever I was well-behaved, it wasn’t only for my benefit. It was also for my parents’ reputation.

Proverbs talks plainly about this. “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother” (10:1 NIV). Children reflect their parents.

Think about this: What does your life look like to non-believers? How are they viewing your Heavenly Father through you? Are you one who gossips, or are you selfish with your time? Perhaps you talk behind people’s backs, or struggle with telling the whole truth.

Comments on: "Make Your Father Proud" (4)

That was an excellent post, Molly! I grew up thinking the same thing… that I could make my parents look good or bad by my actions. I’ve also felt that since I am a Christian, I am an ambassador for God… and I definitely want to make Him look good because HE IS WORTHY!